Smith calls on Government to come clean on third level fees

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education Brendan Smith has called on the Government to come clean with students about the possible re-introduction of third level fees. Deputy Smith was commenting after the Union of Students in Ireland launched a national campaign today to allow students to have their voices heard on the broken promises from this Government in relation to students’ fees.

“Students across the country are outraged by the blatant u-turn by the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn and his colleagues in Fine Gael and Labour, who promised solemnly during the General Election campaign that they would not re-introduce third level fees or increase the college registration fee. By identifying the Government’s betrayal as clearly as they have, USI will have focussed a lot of minds on the scale of this Fine Gael / Labour Government’s abandonment of election promises,” said Deputy Smith.

“It’s time for the Government to stop trying to hide behind reports and to instead level with students about what they are planning in relation to third level fees. I am calling on them to publish their latest report into third level funding without delay.”